Shane,
I only told you these things, good and bad, to make you realise that since people get paid, it IS a job. Being a job, it is work. Not that it's a bad job, but it is a job nonetheless.
As I said, volunteering somewhere to get your feet wet might be your best bet to see where your interests actually lie.
I have heard of Ron Ruhoff, but never met him. Get a hold of the Railroad in Georgetown and ask where you might find the item that you're looking for. They might have it for sale in the gift shop.
Rick